2026 BYD Sealion 6 review

You’re looking at one of the biggest reasons plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are firmly on the map in Australia.

Mitsubishi planted the PHEV flag in Australia, but BYD ignited the plug-in hybrid revolution.

Australia’s PHEV market witnessed a seismic shift in 2024, largely thanks to the arrival of the BYD Sealion 6. This mid-size SUV didn’t just enter the scene; it roared, instantly seizing the crown as Australia’s best-selling plug-in hybrid. Leaving rivals like the Mitsubishi Outlander and Eclipse Cross in its wake, the Sealion 6 spearheaded a staggering 100.2% surge in PHEV sales, proving it’s more than just a vehicle; it’s a market disruptor.

While still a force to be reckoned with in 2025, the Sealion 6 now trails in the dust of BYD’s Shark 6 dual-cab ute. The Shark has devoured the PHEV sales crown, its numbers more than doubling the Sealion’s this year, cementing BYD’s position as the undisputed king of PHEV innovation.

Australia’s plug-in hybrid market just got a jolt of excitement! This entry-level model slides in as one of the most affordable PHEVs around, sneaking inunder$43,000 (plus on-roads). But the real headline? Buckle up for the Extended Range options, boasting a game-changing 120+ kilometers of pure electric freedom on a single charge.

Watch: Paul’s video review of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6

A year ago, the Sealion 6 in Essential trim carved a confident path. Now, the landscape’s changed. Before we unleash our verdict on the horizon-chasing, long-range Sealion, we’re diving back into this original model. Can the Essential-spec Sealion 6 still command attention in a sea suddenly teeming with hungry contenders?

Let’s take a closer look at the Sealion 6 Essential then, shall we?

How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost?

The Sealion 6 Essential: Your gateway to plug-in hybrid SUV adventures in Australia, starting at a surprisingly accessible $42,990 (plus on-roads). Prepare to be electrified, without electrifying your budget.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | BYD Sealion 6 Essential Standard Range FWD | $42,990 | | BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Standard Range FWD | $45,990 | | BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic Extended Range FWD | $46,990 | | BYD Sealion 6 Premium Standard Range AWD | $52,990 | | BYD Sealion 6 Premium Extended Range AWD | $52,990 |

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

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What is the BYD Sealion 6 like on the inside?

Not much has changed here, though the Essential does have some lower-spec equipment compared to other variants in the lineup.

The focal point is undoubtedly the multimedia touchscreen, though it’s a more modest 12.8 inches. Those craving a truly expansive command center will find the Dynamic trim and above boasting a colossal 15.6-inch display.

The driver’s seat becomes a Spartan throne: power adjustments vanish, and the coveted warmth and cooling surrender their posts. A head-up display, projecting vital information onto the windshield, is also forfeited. Beyond these omissions, the cuts are less glaring, though no less felt.

Thankfully, the overall vibe remains untouched, shrinking screen aside. Unlike certain brands – we’re looking at you, Kia and Mazda – where the entry-level experience feels like a budget compromise, this avoids sacrificing quality.

BYD’s interior palette dares to be different, swerving away from the predictable hues favored by Japanese and Korean automakers. Think bold: a two-toned landscape of black and brown leatherette, electrified by vibrant orange stitching and piping. It’s a design that’s sure to ignite opinions – love it or loathe it, it’s anything but bland.

Forget the spaceship dashboard of the Atto 3. While it’s no clone, this BYD’s interior hums with a recognizable rhythm – familiar, yet undeniably BYD. Think intuitive displays, a signature interface, and those uniquely BYD materials and controls.

The (slightly) smaller 12.8-inch touchscreen still boasts the mesmerizing rotating display, plus seamless wireless smartphone mirroring. Forget fiddling with cords – jump straight into your favorite playlists with integrated Spotify and Amazon Music. But beware, budding rockstars: the built-in karaoke app might just be an Uber driver’s worst (or most entertaining) nightmare.

Beyond the essentials, you’ll find Bluetooth for seamless phone integration, built-in satellite navigation to guide your way, and convenient over-the-air software updates keeping everything fresh. While the premium Infinity sound system has been traded for a more modest six-speaker setup, audio quality remains surprisingly robust, delivering a satisfying listening experience from AM/FM/DAB radio and beyond.

Navigating the interface is a breath of fresh air compared to some competitors. However, digging through menus can feel like untangling holiday lights. Even simple tasks, like accessing the trip computer, require a frustrating tap-dance between the instrument cluster and touchscreen. It’s a usability stumble in an otherwise smooth ride.

The Sealion 6’s long 2765mm wheelbase makes the second row quite commodious, meaning adults can sit behind adults without issue.

Even topping six-foot-one, I found headroom plentiful, basking under the panoramic glass roof. Squeezing three adults across the back is doable thanks to the flat floor, though the middle passenger might feel aslightelevation advantage.

The rear of the vehicle echoes the meticulous design found throughout, a testament to thoughtful craftsmanship. The dual-tone color scheme dances across the surface, while contrast piping and stitching provide a subtle, yet undeniable, visual thrill. Everywhere your fingers roam, a luxurious softness awaits.

Sink into serenity. The rear seats offer sublime comfort with reclining backrests, a fold-down armrest boasting integrated cupholders, and perfectly positioned directional air vents. Stay connected with both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Family safety is paramount with easily accessible ISOFIX and top-tether anchors for child seats.

BYD quotes a boot capacity of 425 litres (minimum) with the rear seats in place, expanding to up to 1440L.

Flat tire blues? The Sealion 6 ditches the spare entirely, opting instead for a standard-issue tire repair kit across all models.

| Dimensions | BYD Sealion 6 | | — | — | | Length | 4775mm | | Width | 1890mm | | Height | 1670mm | | Wheelbase | 2765mm | | Cargo capacity | 425L-1440L |

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Sealion 6 Essential comes with the Standard Range FWD PHEV system, one of four available powertrains available in Australia.

| Specifications | BYD Sealion 6 Essential | | — | — | |Engine| 1.5L 4cyl petrol | |Engine outputs| 72kW + 135Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 145kW + 300Nm | |System outputs| 160kW + 300Nm | |Battery| 18.3kWh ‘Blade’ LFP | |Transmission| Single-speed, reduction gear | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight| 1940kg | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 8.5 seconds | |Fuel economy (claimed) | 1.1L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 4.8L/100km | |Electric driving range (PHEV)| 92km | |Fuel tank capacity| 60 litres | |Fuel requirement| 95-octane premium unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 24g/km |

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How does the BYD Sealion 6 drive?

The Sealion 6’s cockpit felt eerily familiar, a time warp back to my last test drive. However, BYD subtly reshaped the ride – tweaking the suspension post-launch, proving they’re not just listening, but reacting.

The Sealion 6’s debut wasn’t without its critics, who pointed to a ride quality best described as "marshmallowy." While comfortable on smooth surfaces, this softness could translate to a disconcerting wobble dance when faced with a flurry of bumps or dips, leaving drivers feeling like they were piloting a boat, not a car.

Forget cloud-like comfort. What Chinese cars deliver on silken-smooth Shanghai streets often unravels on Australia’s brutally honest roads. Those pillowy rides, tuned for domestic bliss, can become a bouncy, wallowy mess down under.

The BYD Sealion 6’s subtle tweaks deliver a noticeably tauter, more controlled ride. It’s a refinement, not a reinvention. Don’t expect sports car stiffness; instead, enjoy enhanced composure and a welcome firmness that still prioritizes comfortable cruising.

Melbourne’s roads are a brutal testing ground, and the retuned suspension didn’t completely iron out the sharp jolts. But where it truly shines is in quelling the unsettling bounce and wallow that used to plague larger bumps. Think of it as trading a slight edge in low-speed comfort for a newfound composure when things get rough.

The Sealion 6 hasn’t morphed into a canyon-carving SUV despite the updates. Its light touch and easygoing nature still prioritize velvety, stress-free rides, making it a champ in the daily grind rather than a track-day titan.

Navigating city streets in this sizeable SUV (4775mm long, 1890mm wide) is surprisingly nimble, thanks to the light yet precise steering. The Essential trim keeps things simple with a reversing camera – ditching the surround sensors for a clear view that gets the job done. Generous side mirrors provide excellent visibility, making tight corners and parking less of a chore.

The sleek, coupe-like design, with its narrow rear window and assertive shoulder line, does present a minor challenge when glancing over your shoulder. But don’t worry, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert act as your vigilant co-pilots, ensuring you never miss a thing.

Beyond the occasional shimmy, the ride smooths out nicely, with excellent sound dampening keeping wind and road noise at bay. The petrol engine whispers to life without a fuss, although it might grumble a bit with cold morning jitters, sending a brief shiver through the cabin.

The BYD Sealion 6 sips fuel like a hummingbird…ifyou treat it to a nightly electric nectar. For the rest of us, who sometimes wrestle with the charging cable (or lack thereof), fear not! Even sans-plug, this hybrid manages impressive efficiency, proving its versatility extends beyond the perfect-scenario showroom.

After a week of gridlock and green lights, our daily commute yielded an impressive 4.8L/100km, all thanks to a full battery brimming with potential at the start. Expect roughly 70-75km of pure electric bliss, although that figure dips slightly when the open road and freeway speeds beckon, as they do on my daily treks.

Unlike a number of rival Chinese brands, BYD has managed to calibrate its driver assistance systems rather well.

Slip behind the wheel, and driving becomes effortlessly intuitive. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering are seamless companions, while blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert act as vigilant co-pilots, offering an extra layer of confidence on every journey.

"The Sealion 6 isn’t chasing headlines with revolutionary features. Instead, it delivers a quietly satisfying experience – a seamless, reliable performance where everything simplyclicks. It’s not about flashy innovation; it’s about dependable functionality, perfectly tailored for the everyday user."

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Essential is the base grade in the Australian Sealion 6 lineup.

2025 BYD Sealion 6 Essential equipment highlights:

• Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability
• Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow drive modes
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• 235/50 R19 Giti tyres
• Tyre repair kit
• Panoramic sunroof
• Matte roof rails
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Keyless entry and start
• NFC card key
• Privacy glass – rear
• LED headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• Automatic high-beam
• LED tail-lights
• Sequential rear indicators
• Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen
• AM/FM/DAB radio
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Bluetooth phone, audio streaming
• Music streaming apps
• Satellite navigation
• Voice assistant
• BYD app store
• Over-the-air updates
• 6-speaker sound system
• 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – front
• 1 x USB-C, 1 x USB-A – rear
• 12V accessory socket
• Sunglasses holder
• Synthetic leather-wrapped seats
• 6-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Heated, ventilated front seats
• Manually adjustable rear seat backrests
• Front dual cup holders
• Rear centre armrest incl. 2 x cupholders
• Metal door sill protectors
• Front sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• LED front reading light
• LED rear side reading lights
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear central air vents

Sealion 6 Dynamic adds:

• One-touch power tailgate
• Head-up display
• 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen
• 10-speaker Infinity sound system
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• 2 x wireless phone chargers – 15W
• ‘Dynamic’ ambient lighting with rhythm function
• PM2.5 filtration system

Sealion 6 Premium adds:

• Additional terrain modes

• Mud + Sand

• All-wheel drive

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

Is the BYD Sealion 6 safe?

The BYD Sealion 6 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2023.

| Category | BYD Sealion 6 | | — | — | | Adult occupant protection | 88 per cent | | Child occupant protection | 86 per cent | | Vulnerable road user protection | 83 per cent | | Safety assist | 75 per cent |

Standard safety features include:

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Child Presence Detection
• Front cross-traffic assist
• Intelligent speed limit information, control
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keep assist
• Emergency lane-keep assist
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Traffic sign recognition

Sealion 6 Dynamic adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Surround-view cameras

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

How much does the BYD Sealion 6 cost to run?

Drive with confidence! Your new BYD in Australia is shielded by a comprehensive 6-year/150,000km warranty. Plus, the revolutionary ‘Blade’ battery gets even greater protection – a rock-solid 8-year/160,000km warranty for ultimate peace of mind.

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| Servicing and Warranty | BYD Sealion 6 Essential | | — | — | | Warranty | 6 years, 150,000km 8 years, 160,000km – HV battery | | Roadside assistance | 1 year – then service-activated | | Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km | | Capped-price servicing | 11 years | | Total capped-price service cost | $4549 |

To see how the BYD Sealion 6 lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool

childcareman.xyz’s Take on the BYD Sealion 6

The Sealion 6 remains a well-priced and solid-performing plug-in hybrid medium SUV.

Forget sterile comparisons. The "Essential" trim punches above its weight. It’s not a revolution in automotive design, shying away from radical reinvention, but itisnoticeably more polished than competitors vying for your attention in the same price bracket. Think smoother performance, smarter tech, and a cohesive feel that others simply can’t match. It’s a quietly confident choice for drivers who value substance over flash.

But here’s the kicker: the Dynamic Extended Range isn’t just a trim upgrade; it’s a quantum leap. For a mere $4,000 more, you unlock 50% more electric freedomanda treasure trove of coveted features. Forget compromises; this is where the magic happens. This, my friends, is the sweet spot you’ve been searching for.

For newcomers curious about plug-in hybrids, the Essential presents an enticing entry point. It’s a budget-friendly PHEV that doesn’t skimp on value, boasting a generous all-electric range, a well-equipped cabin brimming with tech, and ample room for the entire family to ride comfortably.

Imagine a life virtually free from gas stations. Plug in your car each night, or even every other night, and transform your dependence on petrol into a distant memory – save for those occasional road trips beyond the city limits.

childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new BYD Sealion 6. Clickhereto get a great deal.

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